Car is a smartphone on wheels. Here's who's listening ---- - 6 minutes ago | 4 points | 0 comments - URL: https://automatictransmission.khoury.northeastern.edu/ - Discussions: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49954882 - Summary: The study, conducted with Consumer Reports, tested 21 connected vehicles and 30 companion apps to assess data privacy. Key findings: 19 of 21 vehicles contacted third parties (including advertisers/trackers) over Wi-Fi; 7 of 30 apps transmitted sensitive identifiers (VIN, location, phone, email) to third parties; pairing an app roughly doubled exposure to tracking companies. The team used controlled Wi-Fi and cellular isolation tests, plus app traffic interception. Manufacturer responses often shifted blame to consumers, with limited opt-out options; Honda was an exception by improving practices. The study highlights a gap between public disclosures and actual data sharing, arguing for greater transparency in the connected-vehicle ecosystem.